Verizon Says More Being Learned Through Tests on 3.5 GHz CBRS Band

Verizon is working with leading vendors and technology companies to test 4G over the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service spectrum at its lab in Irving, Texas, the carrier said Thursday. After initial trials last year, Corning, Ericsson, Federated Wireless, Google, Nokia and Qualcomm are working with Verizon on “end-to-end system testing to further develop the use of this new spectrum,” Verizon said. The companies are testing spectrum access system algorithms from Google and Federated Wireless to make sure they are “consistently providing the best channel match from the SAS database,” said a news release. Also under examination are “data rates, modulations and the customer experience using CBRS spectrum,” the level of interoperability between infrastructure providers “to ensure seamless handoffs between CBRS spectrum and licensed spectrum for customers,” and the performance and data rates of 4G LTE over the spectrum,” the carrier said. The company predicted the band will be available for use next year.